The Victoria Island Project

The #1 beginner mistake: overbuying gear too early

Early game gear gets replaced quickly. If you’re constantly broke, it’s usually not because your weapon is weak. It’s because your mesos are leaking through small purchases that don’t help much.

Rule of thumb: Early game, prioritize comfort (survivability + potion efficiency) and consistency over “perfect gear”.

What matters early (and what doesn’t)

Matters early

A weapon upgrade that feels noticeably better
Enough HP/MP/potions to train comfortably
Shoes/capes if they meaningfully help your movement or survivability
Keeping gear requirements aligned with your class stat

Can wait

Perfect “best-in-slot” chasing
Min-max scrolling (save this for later)
Buying lots of small upgrades every few levels
Overpaying for cosmetics (unless FashionStory is your joy)

Browse Equipment Database →Classes Overview

Equipment slots explained (simple version)

Weapon

Your main source of damage and “feel”. A good weapon upgrade is one of the few purchases that usually feels worth it.

Armor (hat / top / bottom / overall)

Early on, armor usually matters less than you think. Don’t bankrupt yourself chasing tiny defense upgrades.

Gloves / Shoes

These can affect how comfortable your training feels. Shoes are especially noticeable if movement feels clunky.

Cape / Earrings / Accessories

Often more relevant later. Early game, treat these as “nice to have” unless you find a good deal or a meaningful upgrade.

Reminder: If you’re not sure what an item does, check its requirements (level + stat) and whether it matches your class’s main stat.

How to read equipment (without overthinking)

Requirements

If you’re forcing your stats just to wear an item, it’s usually not worth it early. Stay aligned with your class.

Small upgrades vs meaningful upgrades

If you can’t feel the upgrade while training, it might be a “later game” concern. Save mesos for upgrades you’ll feel.

Don’t chase perfection on day 1

Maple rewards patience. You’ll naturally learn what gear is valuable once you spend time in the world.

Fashion is valid

If looking cool makes you play longer, that’s a real benefit. Just be intentional about your spending.

Buying tips (how not to waste mesos)

Tip 1: Upgrade in “milestones”, not every level

It’s usually better to upgrade your weapon every so often (when it feels meaningful) rather than micro-upgrading constantly.

Tip 2: Potions are part of your “gear”

If you’re always broke, it’s often potion inefficiency. Train where you can survive comfortably.

Tip 3: Don’t force weird requirements early

If an item requires you to invest in stats that don’t match your class, it can slow you down more than it helps.

Tip 4: Use the database as your “sanity check”

If you’re unsure whether something is meaningful, look it up, compare alternatives, and decide calmly.

Equipment Database →New Players Guide

Next steps

If you haven’t picked a class yet, go to Classes Overview. If you’re already playing, explore the Equipment Database and start recognizing item types and requirements.

Classes Overview →Browse Equipment →

Want to contribute?

If you’re the type who remembers iconic gear progression (and what beginners should never waste money on), you can write a small guide or tips section.

Contribute a Guide